Chapter 3: Biological Molecules

General Instructional Objectives (GIOs)

  • Section 3.1. Explain carbon's importance in biological molecules (and therefore life itself).

a. Explain what is meant by Joni Mitchell's quote, "We are stardust...billion-year old carbon."

b. define hydrocarbon (and provide examples).

c. define isomer and provide examples.

d. be able to draw carbon ring structures.

  • Section 3.2. Identify and describe important functional groups.

a. Explain what a functional group is and how it is used to identify molecules.

b. Be able to use (not memorize) table 3.1 (functional groups).

  • Section 3.3. Describe and Identify carbohydrates in living systems.

a. Be able to explain the role of carbohydrates in living systems i.e. why do living organisms need (or how do they use) carbohydrates.

b. Be able to diagram (with increasing complexity) carbohydrates i.e. mono to di to polysaccharides.

c. Define monomer and polymer and explain the organizational relationship.

d. Be able to identify simple and complex carbohydrates

e. Locate and describe the function of important carbohydrates (ex: glycogen, cellulose, starch).

  • Section 3.4. Describe and identify lipids in living systems.

a. Be able to explain the role of lipids in living systems i.e. why do living organisms need (or how do they use) lipids.

b. Be able to compare (how are they the same) and contrast (how are they different) carbohydrates and lipids. figure 3.10 is key!

c. Distinguish between the three kinds of fatty acids.

d. (Essay, pages 54-55) Explain the impact and role of fats in human diet and health.

  • Section 3.5. Describe and identify proteins in living systems.

a. Be able to explain the role of proteins in living systems i.e. why do living organisms need (or how do they use) proteins.

b. Understand the structural relationships between amino acids and proteins.

c. Be able to identify the type, role and examples of various proteins in living organisms. Table 3.4 is key!

d. Understand the importance of shape in proteins.

e. Define lipoproteins and describe their role and impact in the human body.

Section 3.6. Describe and identify nucleic acids in living systems.

a. Be able to explain the role of nucleic acids in living systems i.e. why do living organisms need (or how do they use) nucleic acids.

b. Be able to diagram a strand of DNA.

Use table 3.5 to assist you in understanding this chapter...you will need to be able to explicitly explain the role of the four biological molecules in living organisms as well as provide examples.

  • Identify specific advantages and disadvantages of fat consumption (Abstract 4).

Chapter 3 Self Quiz

Click HERE to complete the chapter 3 self-quiz.

Attempts: 2

Time limit: 10 minutes

Score: Not Graded.

Purpose: Determine how well you understand the material from chapter 3.

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